Thursday, June 12, 2008

This is an addendum to the Indian dishes I posted a few days ago. This is not a kid-friendly meal per se, but kids really do like them. And what's not to like? It's deep fried bread, for crying out loud! Pooris are easy and fast because they don't require any rising like naan. I did experiment baking them in a hot oven on a hot baking stone but to no avail. I guess they really do need the hot oil to puff up.

INGREDIENTS

- 1 cup all purpose flour

- 1 cup whole wheat flour

- 1/2 tsp salt

- 1/4 tsp coriander

- 1/4 tsp chili powder

- 1/4 tsp cinnamon

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 1/2 to 3/4 cup water

- oil for frying

METHOD

1. Whisk flours, salt, and spices in a bowl, then add oil and enough water to make a dough. Knead on a floured surface until smooth (6-8 mins). I did all this in a stand mixer.

2. Put dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel for at least 30 mins.

3. Begin heating about 1.5 inches of oil in a pan over med-hi heat (350 degrees is the magical number but I never check it. The oil needs to be hot enough or the pooris won't puff up).

4. Divide dough into 12 pieces (more if you want small bites for the kiddies) and roll each into about a 5 inch circle. Cover dough with a damp towel.

5. Carefully add one piece of dough to the pan. It should pop right back up to the surface. Press it back down into the oil (with the back of a slotted spoon) until it puffs up (this part is fun). When puffed, flip over and cook for 20 seconds.

6. Remove and drain. I covered mine with a towel on a plate to keep warm while cooking the others.

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comments:

I wonder if you could get one of those things to puff up by putting it on a stick and cooking it in a campfire (or maybe over a gas range) marshmallow style. If so, perhaps a sweet variation would make a serviceable vegan option for that very purpose.

Clem,I am not sure. I have seen naan made over an open flame, so I suppose it is possible. However, these aren't really whole wheat naan, so I think that method would make for a different tasting bread.

I'm totally in awe of all your baking and LOVE that your kids seem to eat such diverse foods. I think it's great to expose so much to kids growing up. Quick question about bake sales. Any wisdom on what things seem to be the most popular? My friend and I are trying to organize a bake sale on behalf of an organization and I'm trying to decide what I want to make. I'm hoping to use it as an opportunity to make some challenging things, but also want things to sale so that the organization can get a great donation!

The Lemon Currant Rolls were the most popular by far. I made 12 big rolls (the recipe calls for 18, but I never get that many) and sold them for $2.50 each. That's 30 bucks for what is about 8-10 bucks in raw material (Earth Balance is REALLY expensive here). They are pretty easy to make but look very impressive.

People also seemed to love the artisan-type breads--the loaves cooked in a steamy oven with slashed tops that expand to get that bakery look.

Don't bother with crusty rolls, hamburger buns, or stuff like that. I found that people either wanted a loaf they could take away, or a cookie or something they could eat right then and there.

Hi! I have a few questions for you, just because I've never spoken with a vegan dad before. I was wondering what made you become vegan. My dad never listens to anything I have to say and makes fun of the fact that I am a vegan. Iwas wondering if you have any hints for talking to a dad about issues like this. Also, my graduation party is coming up and I don't want to serve meat, but my dad and grampa are adamant that the guest's "needs" come first, and that no one will like my vegan food. What do you think I should do/say?

Hi, Thank you for being a vegan dad, I've never talked to one before! I was wondering what influenced your decision to become vegan? Also, my dad will never listen to my vegan views and makes fun of me for not eating meat and dairy, calling me a "tree hugger". I was wondering if you have any clues for making him listen? Also, I'm having a graduation party but my dad wants to serve meat there. I can't decide whether or not this is reasonable. I told him that I would cook vegan food that people and children would love, and he just said that no one would like it and you have to put the guest's "needs" first. What can I do/say?

Sara,I am going to assume that both of the last posts were from you. Otherwise, there seems to be a sudden rash of vegan grads in crisis!

I became a vegan for my own health, to stay true to my moral centre, and for the earth and its people. I blogged a bit about this here.

Now, as to your situation. Take what I say with a grain of salt. First, uncool for your dad to mock you. People are very emotionally linked to their diet and see vegans as a threat and go on the defensive. I think that people don't want to think about the food they eat, and vegans challenge them to do that, even without saying a word. That being said, you have to live together as a family. Demand respect for your beliefs and values, but also respect your dad.

Here is my take on the party. You have an ethical and moral opposition to eating animal products. Your guests do not (I assume) have ethical issues with vegan food. Plus, this is your party and I would think your needs would come first.

And, all that being said, I will let you know that get togethers in my extended family have vegan and omni dishes. I will not cook or serve anything but vegan fare, but I won't stop other people from grilling a burger (even though it really is repulsive, not to mention a bit insensitive--it's kind of like having some Jewish friends over and chowing down on pork chops in front of them). But, hey. We all need to comprimise a bit, I suppose.